Every race has a story.
Whether it’s your personal story of achievement or accomplishment, or the meaning for the race’s existence, organized road races are there for a reason. Today, we’d like to introduce you to a new event coming up in a few weeks in Poughkeepsie.
The inaugural Braga 5K run/walk will be held on Sunday, October 1 on the beautiful and historic campus of Vassar College. This race is named in honor of U.S. Army veteran and Vassar College alum Fernando Braga '17, who died by suicide in 2022. “Our purpose of this annual race is to raise awareness of veteran suicide in the United States,’’ race director Colleen Mallet said.
Mallet is the Director of Veteran Students Outreach and Support at Vassar, a unique and important role on the college campus. Her work with veteran students begins with recruiting. She added: “I then assist with the application process, and once they matriculate, I am their point of contact, the person who certifies their enrollment/benefits with the VA and biggest supporter/advocate. I'm also there at commencement. So, it is an all-encompassing role. I do keep in touch with them once they graduate, even attending their weddings!’’
Fernando Braga was one of the many veteran students with whom Mallet worked. She remembers Fernando as a “kind, generous, and loving person, and I will remember his smile that lit up the room.’’
Here’s the background on this race, from Colleen Mallet:
In the spring of 2022, the campus community was rocked when we heard that Fernando was missing from the NYC area (he hails from the Bronx). Many friends and family organized searches. A few weeks later it was confirmed that he had died by suicide. This hit the veteran community, current and alums, especially hard. Many gathered on reunion weekend (his fifth reunion) for the Service of Remembrance, and again later that week for a Memorial Service held in Brooklyn.
It was important that we find a way to honor the memory and life of Fernando, and the Braga 5K is our way of doing that and also giving back to the larger community. All proceeds from this event will be split three ways - a college fund for Fernando's daughter, Stop Veteran Suicide, and Warrior Ranch Foundation. Our mission is to create a powerful annual tradition at Vassar College by organizing the "Braga 5k" that seeks to raise awareness of veteran suicide in the United States, which continues to be significantly higher than the national average. Tragically, and on average, every 90 minutes another veteran dies by suicide in this country. We invite everyone to unite with us in remembering Fernando's legacy and learning more about the cause against veteran suicide.
Planning for this event began in the fall of 2022. Our committee is composed of myself and Jaime Del Razo, Assistant Professor of Education (Army veteran), as Co-Chairs, as well as Brittany Andrade '23 (Army veteran), and Alejando Castro '24 (Air Force veteran). We have spent many hours planning all of the logistics and look forward to a great event on Sunday, October 1st.
As of this week, there are nearly 50 registered participants, including three Vassar veteran alums who will be traveling back to campus for the event. One of Fernando’s best friends, Carl Callender, will be speaking.
Mallet added: “Runners/walkers can expect a race that will be professionally timed with live results, well-staffed, and with awards for those who place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. We are also going to have a shorter, flatter, untimed course for those who prefer a shorter distance, have strollers, and/or who might have a mobility challenge.’’
Veteran suicide is an important issue to keep at the forefront, and this race is doing its part while honoring the memory of a young man who served his country.
Mallet said there are several ways for people to participate. They can participate as either a registered runner or walker (Braga5k Registration), as a volunteer (volunteer form) or, if unable to be there in person, they can Donate.
I will be there!! One of the first to sign up, want to be there for my friend and a cause I know is near and dear to her heart. Please help spread the word of the race and bring awareness to the struggles of our veterans. Men and woman who have taken care of us and continue to take care of us, we now need to step up and take care of them.